Bard College vs. Colgate

Comparable Facts

Compare Bard College in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY with Colgate University in Hamilton, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Colgate University is larger than Bard College based on total student enrollment (3,211 students vs. 2,911 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bard College is located in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (Town Fringe setting); Colgate University is in Hamilton, NY (Distant Town setting).
• Bard College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Colgate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bard College 9:1; Colgate University 9:1.

Bard College vs. Colgate Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bard College or Colgate? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Colgate University than Bard College ($28,736 vs. $29,320).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colgate University are 6.6% lower than at Bard College ($17,610 vs. $18,852).
• Colgate University is 5.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bard College (about $3,870 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $66,436.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.8% higher at Colgate than at Bard College (about $3,870 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $66,436.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bard College than at Colgate University (74% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colgate University students is 5.6% larger than aid received by Bard College students ($58,334 vs. $55,235).

Bard College vs. Colgate Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bard College or Colgate? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Colgate and Bard College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colgate University (1490) is 130 points higher than at Bard College (1360).
• Incoming Colgate students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 30 at Bard College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bard College 1270/1450; Colgate University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bard College 28/32; Colgate University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bard College - Test optional; Colgate - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bard College Jan 1, 2027; Colgate Jan 15, 2027.
• Bard College has a higher acceptance rate (52.1%) than Colgate (13.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.8% at Bard College vs. 28.7% at Colgate.

Bard College vs. Colgate Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bard College and Colgate? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Colgate University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Bard College's (76%).
• Graduates from Colgate University earn a median of about $33,700 more per year than Bard College graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,300 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $10,069 lower median loan debt than Bard College graduates ($16,125 vs. $26,194).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $104 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bard College graduates ($166 vs. $270).
• More Colgate graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bard College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 81%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.